Are you an introvert or an extrovert? Or ... somewhere in between? You are reasonably present and exuberant, but do not always have to be the center of attention. Do you like peace and solitude but also enjoy a nice evening out? Apparently there is a third personality type that you might find more: ambivert.
It is important to know that introvert and extrovert are two ends of a spectrum. Until now the focus was almost always on those two ends, but there are at least as many people who fall somewhere in between: they are ambivert.
Bilingualism
Being ambivert means that you have qualities that are introvert and extrovert, but neither one dominates. This means that ambiverted people are more balanced and have a more nuanced personality. They do not sit still in a corner, but aren't always drawn to people. It is as if they are bilingual. They have broader skills and can connect with more people, just as someone who speaks both English and Spanish.
It can go either way
The disadvantage is that it is sometimes difficult to sense which side of their personality is most appropriate in which situation. In contrast to extroverts and introverts, who know how to motivate themselves best, ambiverted people have more difficulty with that.
(Real) Introverts and extroverts know immediately how they want to react. While introverts tend to withdraw from interaction, and extroverts just start looking for people and activities, ambiverted people can go either way. Be aware of the fact that you are ambivert. If you know that you can go both ways, ask yourself what the most effective behavior will be.
7 signs that you are ambitious
If you think you might be ambivert, take a look at which of the following statements are correct. If the majority applies to you, you are probably ambivert.
- I can perform tasks both alone and in groups. I have no preference for one of the two.
- Large groups of people do not give me an uncomfortable feeling, but I get tired when I'm too long with other people.
- It is nice to be at the center of attention, but it should not last too long.
- Some people think that I am quiet, while others just think that I am very outgoing and social.
- I do not always have to do something, but too often doing nothing makes me uncomfortable.
- I do not find small talk uncomfortable, but it does get boring after a while.
- Sometimes I am very skeptical when I meet someone new, but sometimes I trust someone almost directly.